Each year, the Teaching & Learning Excellence Division (TLED) print wall calendar is designed to inspire faculty to take a deep dive into higher education issues, and this year’s edition is no different. This year’s theme is “Empowering Students by Meeting Basic Needs,” with each month in the calendar highlighting specific essential resources, showcasing how Austin Community College (ACC) and the surrounding community address twelve basic needs through:

  • Innovative curriculum integration
    • ACC faculty have addressed students’ basic needs within their instruction, from free sewing classes to mental health workshops.
  • Supportive campus resources
    • From food pantries to technology loans, ACC campuses are equipped with resources designed to support students’ daily needs directly.
  • Active community engagement
    • We collaborate with local organizations and initiatives to extend support beyond the campus, ensuring that our students can access comprehensive services and opportunities within the wider community.

The goal of this calendar is to ensure faculty are informed about the essential resources available to students. We hope this will help create an educational environment where all students can succeed. For March, the basic need being highlighted is Financial Support.

Financial Support

We’re committed to ensuring every student has the tools they need for success. Financial stability plays a crucial role in helping students stay on track and achieve their academic goals. Worrying about tuition, textbooks, and daily expenses can create barriers to learning, but ACC’s Financial Aid Offices are here to help students navigate their options and secure the support they need. This month, we shine a spotlight on the essential services provided by this office to help students access funding and reduce financial stress. Belinda Peña, Associate Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Outreach, emphasizes how ACC’s Financial Aid Offices are dedicated to helping students explore the best ways to pay for college. She shares:

“ACC’s Financial Aid Offices are available on every campus, and our team is here to help students explore the many ways to pay for college. We know it can feel overwhelming to figure out where to start, and that’s why we’re here to walk through it together. Our office helps students find the best option for them, from financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to scholarships and other support. For many students, financial aid helps them stay focused on school by covering tuition and daily costs like housing, food, and transportation.”

ACC offers a variety of support services to address the financial needs of our students. The ACC Free Tuition pilot program eliminates tuition costs for eligible students, starting with the high school class of 2024. The Student Emergency Fund provides critical assistance for unforeseen circumstances. Our Student Money Management Office (SMMO) offers personalized financial coaching and resources. The Work-Study Program, internships, and apprenticeships provide opportunities for students to earn money while gaining valuable experience. Scholarships are available through a simplified application process, ensuring students can access the financial aid they need to continue their education.

It’s essential for us, as ACC employees, to fully grasp the insights from the Student Financial Wellness Survey (Fall 2023 Semester Report) so we can better support our students and provide meaningful pathways to success.

Resources to Share With Your Students

  • Free Tuition: Eliminates the cost of tuition and general fees for eligible students.
  • Internships and Apprenticeships: Supports paid internships and apprenticeships, and connects students to relevant, career-driven opportunities.
  • Scholarships: Simplified application process to match students with available scholarships.
    • ACC Affordability Scholarship: A limited-time funding opportunity for students who were enrolled in a credit course at ACC during the Spring ‘24 semester. Eligible students will automatically receive tuition assistance for up to 15 credit hours, with no application required.
  • Student Emergency Fund: Provides financial support during unforeseen circumstances.
  • Student Money Management Office (SMMO): Offers financial coaching and online resources.
  • Work-Study Program: Part-time work opportunities in community service positions or fields related to study.

Discussing and addressing these needs is essential for creating an educational environment where all students can succeed. By supporting these fundamental areas, we foster a culture of care and resilience, empowering students to focus on their goals without stress from unmet needs. This calendar aims to inform faculty about these resources, allowing them to share directly with students and address these needs in their instruction.

To learn more about all twelve basic needs highlighted in the TLED Calendar, visit the TLED print wall calendar web page and explore more essential resources.

ACC is committed to supporting every student’s basic needs. We are more than an educational institution —we are a community that cares, supports, and grows together.

“Every Need. Every Student. Every Day.”

 

Forgot to request a calendar? No worries! Additional calendars and sticker packs are available for pick-up at all ACC campus libraries and Teaching & Learning Centers (TLCs). Contact your campus library or TLC to confirm availability.